Adopt-A-Mangrove
The tree of life
Mangrove trees in Florida are vital to the health of our
coastal ecosystems because they protect shorelines from
erosion and improve water clarity and quality. Since the
1950s, the majority of central Florida’s mangroves have
been lost to coastal development. That's why we initiated
the Adopt-A-Mangrove program to help restore local
mangrove habitats along the Indian River estuary in
partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection's (FDEP) Indian River Lagoon Shoreline
Restoration Program and Marine Discovery Center.
Mangrove seeds are collected locally, planted by Zoo
guests and other community members, and cared for
until the seedlings are ready to be planted.
Adopt-A-Mangrove workshops include an educational
presentation, where participants learn all about mangroves
and their importance in the ecosystem, then leave with
their own plant to care for at home.
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id you know?
Mangroves also provide food and habitat for more than
90% of commercial fishery species and more than 70%
of Florida’s sportfish species (Lewis et al.,1985).
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